Tech Brew Ride Home
Fri. 06/25 – Some Western Digital NAS Devices Are Getting Ill (matic?)
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Western Digital’s My Book Live devices are experiencing critical data loss due to malware incidents, prompting user advisories.
- Multiple antitrust bills targeting major tech companies have advanced, potentially reshaping tech industry competition.
- Windows 11 has new hardware requirements that could limit eligibility for a free upgrade.
- Microsoft's Nadella positions Windows as a leading platform for developers in a competitive market against Apple.
- Explore intriguing longread recommendations that cover a range of tech-related topics from gaming to brain technology.
Summary
Western Digital NAS Devices Reported Compromised
Western Digital has notified users of its My Book Live NAS devices about malware incidents leading to a factory reset, erasing all stored data. Users are advised to disconnect their devices from the internet after experiencing unexpected data loss. The issue seems related to an unpatched vulnerability, with early indications suggesting a remote command could have activated the malware. While the company reassures that their servers were not hacked, they are actively investigating the matter.
Antitrust Legislation for Big Tech Moves Forward
House committees have passed significant antitrust bills aimed at curbing the power of major tech companies. These measures include updates to merger filing fees, ensuring state attorney generals can prosecute, enhancing data portability standards, and preventing large companies from acquiring smaller competitors. There's also a bill targeting anti-competitive practices by tech giants. These bills now proceed to the House floor for a full vote and could potentially reshape the tech landscape.
Windows 11 Upgrade Requirements
Windows 11 will be available as a free upgrade, but several devices may not meet the new hardware requirements. Notably, Microsoft’s requirement now restricts support to 8th generation Intel CPUs and newer, excluding many current Windows 10 devices. Users should check compatibility using Microsoft’s PC health app before attempting to upgrade.
Microsoft's Competitive Stance Against Apple
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s recent comments highlight a more aggressive posture toward Apple, positioning Windows as a preferable platform for developers. His critique emphasizes user control and the flexibility of Windows compared to Apple's ecosystem, signalling a shift in Microsoft's branding in the evolving tech competition.
Weekend Longreads Recommendations
Listeners are encouraged to dive into various articles over the weekend, exploring topics such as gaming conspiracies involving Hideo Kojima, a history of Google’s messaging apps, the story of a young cryptocurrency developer, Roku's rise in streaming, and a new brain-computer interface technology.
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Show notes
Fri. 06/25 – Some Western Digital NAS Devices Are Getting Ill (matic?)
Some Western Digital NAS devices are getting ill (matic). A breakdown of the 5 or 6 big tech antitrust bills that just passed House committees. Windows 11 is free, but what if your device can’t run it? Also, more on Microsoft’s anti-Apple posturing. And, of course, the weekend longreads suggestions.
Sponsors:
AirMedCareNetwork.com/tech offer code TECH
Cybereason.com
Links:
WD My Book NAS devices are being remotely wiped clean worldwide (Bleeping Computer)
Big Tech edges closer to break up after deeply unhinged markup (The Verge)
Satya Nadella’s closing Windows 11 remarks were a direct shot across Apple’s bow (The Verge)
Windows 11 is free, but your CPU might not be officially supported (The Verge)
Weekend Longreads Suggestions:
What Is Blue Box? A Vast Conspiracy Grips the Video Game World (Bloomberg)
A very brief history of every Google messaging app (The Verge)
The Boy Who Could DeFi: Meet the 13-Year-Old Who Built a $7M Money Manager on Ethereum (Decrypt)
How Roku used the Netflix playbook to beat bigger players and rule streaming video (CNBC)
Can a $110 Million Helmet Unlock the Secrets of the Mind? (Bloomberg)
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